Occupational Therapist (Per-Diem)

The Occupational Therapist (OTR) is responsible for providing high-quality occupational therapy services to patients requiring part-time, intermittent visits. This position assesses therapeutic needs, develops and implements treatment plans, and works as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. The OTR also supervises certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) and home health aides when occupational therapy is the only qualifying service. This role reports directly to the Clinical Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive evaluations of patients to assess their functional abilities in daily living activities.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, patients, families, and team members, making revisions as necessary.
• Implement therapy interventions to restore function, relieve pain, and address psychological dysfunction to help patients achieve maximum independence.
• Instruct patients, families, and healthcare team members on therapy goals and care procedures.
• Plan for patient discharge, ensuring appropriate follow-up care.
• Delegate therapy tasks to certified occupational therapy assistants based on professional standards and patient needs.
• Supervise COTAs, holding bi-weekly conferences and conducting combined monthly visits for direct supervision.
• Assign, instruct, and oversee home health aides when occupational therapy is the primary service.
• Serve as the primary provider when occupational therapy qualifies a patient for skilled care, ensuring proper assessments and documentation, including OASIS data requirements.
• Ensure compliance with medical orders regarding treatment frequency and visit authorizations.
• Assist patients in selecting and using safe equipment, supplies, and services.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care, participate in care conferences, and be available for weekend and evening rotations as needed.
• Obtain pre-authorizations for home visits for managed care patients when necessary.

Documentation

• Complete initial assessments, reassessments, visit documentation, and progress notes according to agency guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records of skilled care provided, objective measures, patient responses, and progress toward goals.
• Submit discharge or transfer assessments, including OASIS data, within 48 hours.
• Prepare patient records for recertification, including comprehensive assessments and coordination with the clinical supervisor.

Communication

• Conduct initial visits within 72 hours of referral unless otherwise specified by the physician or patient needs.
• Communicate patient condition updates, including concerns and changes in needs, to the case manager and other relevant team members.
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists to ensure comprehensive care.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

Professional Standards

• Adhere to all policies outlined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Act and professional standards.
• Maintain a professional demeanor, projecting a positive image of the agency.
• Follow infection control and safety policies and procedures.

Professional Development

• Attend mandatory in-service training sessions.
• Maintain Professional Development Unit (PDU) requirements set by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Engage in professional growth activities, including workshops, conferences, and continued education.

Additional Duties

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Clinical Manager.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy education program (ACOTE, AOTA, or equivalent).
• Certified and registered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Licensed as an occupational therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience in physical disabilities as a registered occupational therapist (home care experience preferred).
• Valid CPR certification.
• Reliable transportation for travel between assignments; valid driver’s license and insurance required.
• Clear criminal history report and regulatory clearances, including Childline, FBI, OIG, Medicheck, and EPLS.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly lifts and moves patients, equipment, and supplies; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Requires ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions as needed for patient care.
• Must have adequate vision, hearing, and communication skills to assess and instruct patients.

Work Environment

• Moderate exposure to communicable diseases; Hepatitis B vaccine offered.
• Work involves interaction with various medical equipment, supplies, and electronic documentation tools.

This is a per-diem position that may require occasional evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts. If you are a dedicated occupational therapist looking to make a difference in patients’ lives, we encourage you to apply!